Effectiveness of the Mentha spicata leaves in reducing testosterone levels and aggressive behaviour in female Wistar albino rats treated with testosterone propionate

Abstract

High testosterone hormone levels play an important role in exhibiting aggressive behaviour and several disorders in female rodents and women. The present study aimed to determine the protective role of the alcoholic extract of Mentha spicata leaves (MSL) in the reduction of the level of testosterone and aggressive behaviour of female rats that suffer from high levels of testosterone. A total of 30 female Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 Groups. Group 1: Control rats received sesame oil(0.5 ml). Group 2: Rats injected with testosterone propionate (TP) alone. Group 3: Rats received MSL alone (100 mg/kg) orally. Groups 4, 5, and 6: Rats received TP + MSL, 6mg/rat of TP followed by 200, 400, and 600 mg/rat, respectively) for 60 days. The testosterone, dopamine, and aggressive behaviour were measured using specialized ELISA test kits. The results showed that testosterone and dopamine levels in the serum had a significant decrease (P<0.05) (4.82 (ng/ml) in testosterone and 272.83 (pg/ml) in dopamine) in animals treated with MSL only compared to Group 2, which found a significant rise (p<0.05) (16.52 (ng/ml) in testosterone and 607.59 (pg/ml) in dopamine) in the levels of testosterone and dopamine. The results exhibited a significant rise (P<0.05) in the aggressive behaviour in Group 2 of rats compared to the control and other Groups. In comparison, aggressive behaviour was significantly decreased (P<0.05) (7.40 (ng/ml) in testosterone and 263.49 (ng/ml) in dopamine) in Groups 2, 4, 5, and 6. Thus, the study revealed the protective role of the alcoholic extract of MSL in reducing levels of testosterone and aggressive behaviour in female rats suffering from higher levels of testosterone.